Chronic Back Pain: How Physical Therapy Can Help and Why Physical Therapy Is Your Best Choice
Understanding Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain is one of the most common health conditions worldwide, affecting millions of people daily. Unlike acute pain, which is temporary and typically results from an injury, chronic back pain persists for 12 weeks or longer, even after the initial cause has been treated. It can stem from various conditions, including:
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Sciatica
- Poor posture and muscle imbalances
- Previous injuries
The impact of chronic back pain can be severe, affecting a person’s ability to work, exercise, and perform daily activities. Many individuals seek relief through medication, injections, or surgery, but physical therapy offers a non-invasive, long-term solution.
How Physical Therapy Can Help Chronic Back Pain
Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for chronic back pain. It addresses the root causes of pain and provides strategies to manage and prevent future discomfort. Here’s how physical therapy can help:
- Pain Relief Without Medication
Many people turn to painkillers to manage chronic back pain, but these medications often come with risks such as addiction and side effects. Physical therapy uses evidence-based techniques to reduce pain naturally, including:
- Manual therapy – Hands-on techniques to relieve tension and improve mobility
- Therapeutic exercises – Strengthening and stretching routines to reduce strain
- Cold laser therapy – A non-invasive treatment to reduce inflammation and promote healing
- Improved Strength and Flexibility
Muscle weakness and imbalances often contribute to chronic back pain. A physical therapist will create a personalized exercise program to strengthen the core, back, and surrounding muscles, leading to better spinal support and reduced pain.
- Enhanced Mobility and Posture
Poor posture and limited mobility can worsen back pain over time. Physical therapists work on postural correction and functional movement patterns, ensuring you move efficiently and reduce unnecessary strain on the spine.
- Preventing Future Injuries
One of the greatest benefits of physical therapy is its focus on long-term prevention. By identifying and addressing movement dysfunctions, therapists help patients avoid recurring pain and injuries.
- Personalized Treatment Plans
Unlike a one-size-fits-all approach, physical therapy offers customized treatment based on individual needs. Whether your pain is due to an old injury, a medical condition, or poor lifestyle habits, your physical therapist will develop a unique program tailored to your body.
Why Choose Physical Therapy Before Surgery?
When dealing with chronic back pain, surgery might seem like the only solution. However, physical therapy should always be considered before undergoing an invasive procedure. Here’s why:
- Surgery Comes with Risks
While some back surgeries can be successful, they also carry risks such as infection, nerve damage, and prolonged recovery periods. Many patients continue to experience pain even after surgery.
- Physical Therapy Is Cost-Effective
Surgery is expensive and often requires extensive rehabilitation. Physical therapy, on the other hand, is a more affordable option that provides long-term benefits without the financial burden.
- Better Outcomes with Conservative Treatment
Research shows that many back pain cases improve significantly with physical therapy. Strengthening, stretching, and posture correction can often alleviate pain to the point where surgery is unnecessary.
- Avoiding Long Recovery Times
Surgical recovery can take months, during which patients may experience limited mobility and discomfort. Physical therapy allows for gradual, steady improvements without extended downtime.
- Physical Therapy Can Prepare You for Surgery (If Needed)
In cases where surgery is unavoidable, preoperative physical therapy (prehab) can strengthen muscles, improve endurance, and enhance recovery outcomes post-surgery.
Why Hohman Rehab Is Your Best Choice for Physical Therapy
If you’re looking for expert care to manage your chronic back pain, Hohman Rehab and Sports Therapy is the best choice. Here’s why:
- Experienced and Specialized Therapists
Our team consists of highly trained physical therapists with expertise in treating chronic back pain. We stay up to date with the latest techniques and research to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
- Personalized Treatment Plans
At Hohman Rehab, we understand that every patient is unique. We take the time to assess your specific needs and create a customized treatment plan to address your pain and movement issues effectively.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities
Our clinics are equipped with advanced rehabilitation equipment, allowing us to offer cutting-edge treatments, from manual therapy to therapeutic exercises and modalities like cold laser therapy.
- Compassionate and Supportive Care
We pride ourselves on providing a welcoming and supportive environment. Our therapists genuinely care about your well-being and work closely with you throughout your recovery journey.
- Proven Success Stories
Many of our patients have experienced significant improvements in their back pain and overall quality of life. We take pride in helping individuals regain function and return to the activities they love.
- Convenient Locations in Orange and Lake County, Florida
Hohman Rehab has three locations in Orange and Lake County, making it easy for patients to access high-quality care:
- Clermont Office: 236 Mohawk Road, Clermont, FL 34715
- Ocoee Office: 11095 W Colonial Drive, Ocoee, FL 34761
- Apopka Office: 125 S. Park Ave., Apopka, FL 32703
Take Control of Your Back Pain Today
Chronic back pain doesn’t have to control your life. Physical therapy offers a safe, effective, and non-invasive solution to help you regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve your quality of life. Choosing physical therapy before considering surgery can save you time, money, and unnecessary risks.
At Hohman Rehab and Sports Therapy, we are committed to providing top-notch care tailored to your needs. If you’re ready to take the first step toward lasting relief, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Let us help you move better, feel stronger, and live pain-free!
Contact Information
- Clermont Office: (352) 404-6908
- Ocoee Office: (407) 347-8936
- Apopka Office: (407) 410-3200
Written By:
Dr. Katie Hohman
Physical Therapist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Founder
